Mental Health Staffing

The clinical directory of the mental health program has the following:

Masters or Doctorate in social work, psychology, or psychiatric nursing, or MD who is board eligible or certified in psychiatry; and

License/certification to practice in the respective discipline in NYS; and

Clinical training and experience with clients with mental illness (preferably additional experience working with PLWHAs and those with substance use issues).

The clinical director ensures the following:

Oversight of the development of mental health and HIV policies, protocols, and systems for care coordination;

Education and supervision of staff and consultation to other mental health and HIV providers;

Clinical competency of staff, including assessments, treatment and documentation;

Case conferencing;

Review and sign off by licensed staff on all documentation;

Oversight of the mental health quality improvement program in the agency; and

Accountability for mental health resources and planning, and for general program implementation and evaluation (including AIRS and fiscal reports).

2. Psychiatric services are provided by a qualified psychiatrist.

The mental health program employs or has evidence of a collaborative relationship with a NYS licensed, board eligible or certified psychiatrist, to ensure that clients needing psychiatric services do not have to wait for initial appointments.

The psychiatrist's education and experience focuses on the program's targeted population.

Licensed/certified to practice as mental health professionals in NYS, including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, physicians with a specialty in psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Masters prepared Psychiatric Registered Nurses, and/or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). If Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and graduate social work students are part of the clinical team, they are regularly supervised by a licensed mental health professional, as defined by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions.

A credentialing process is used to verify that staff have required certification or licensure, references and recommendation, and clinical training and experience in working with clients who have mental illness and substance use (preference should be given to those who also have experience working with PLWAs).

4. Staff is ensured education in professional development programs and clinical supervision.